Dubai Creek
The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is located in the Dubai Creek area of Dubai in the United Arab Emierates. It is an excellent home base for travelers who appreciate cultural immersion over flashy skyscrapers.
Public Spaces
The hotel leans into traditional Arabian aesthetics, with an ornate lobby featuring dark wood furniture, intricate Middle Eastern patterns, and decorative elements that give it a distinct old-world charm. While this thematic approach adds character, some areas feel a bit dated compared to Dubai’s more contemporary luxury hotels.
Room Features
Rooms at Arabian Courtyard continue the theme of traditional Arabian design, which is refreshing in a city filled with hyper-modern interiors. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with standard amenities—air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Many of the room’s features, like lighting, alarm clock, and air conditioning, are controlled from one very retro-looking control panel on the nightstand next to the bed. It reminds me of a similar control panel at the old Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas (before that hotel was torn down for the new baseball stadium).
I stayed in an Executive Room on one of the top two floors, which is intended for business travelers and not families.
Food and Dining
The hotel offers a diverse selection of dining options, each with its own unique atmosphere and cuisine. Guests can savor Mediterranean and Egyptian flavors at the museum-themed Pharaoh Café & Restaurant, enjoy live music, DJs, and classic pub fare at the Victorian-inspired Sherlock Holmes Lounge & Pub, or visit the Cross Cultural Café & Bistro, a vibrant 24-hour spot perfect for business lunches, casual dining, or coffee and cocktails, featuring international salads, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
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The only restaurant that I tried on site was the executive room breakfast room on the 7th floor, which provided a very nice free breakfast and a quiet, calm environment.
Facilities and Amenities
The Arabian Courtyard Hotel offers facilities and amenities catering to both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy a health club with a gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and a small outdoor pool. The wellness spa features massages, facials, and Moroccan baths, while dining options include several themed restaurants and lounges. Additional conveniences such as 24-hour room service, a beauty salon, a library, tour assistance, a free beach shuttle
Al Seef
Things Nearby
The Dubai Creek, souks, and the atmospheric Bastakiya Quarter are all within walking distance, making it ideal for those keen to explore Old Dubai. I chose this hotel for the beginning of my stay to be close to a walking tour of the Dubai Creek area. The hotel is a quick walk from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. It is also close to the modern Al Seef shopping area, which is built to look like an old Dubai neighborhood, complete with square wind towers. The popular Gold and Spice Souks are across the Creek, and the iconic abra (water taxi) rides are all within easy reach.
However, for guests planning to frequent the city’s modern attractions—such as the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Marina—the location is less convenient, requiring longer taxi or metro rides. Al Fahidi Metro Station is about a 10-minute walk away, offering decent connectivity.
Final Verdict
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is best suited for travelers who prioritize history and cultural immersion over high-end luxury. The hotel offers a charming, traditional aesthetic and a fantastic location for exploring Old Dubai. If you value character over extravagance, it’s a worthy choice.
